Autistic Teen Fatally Shot by Deputy in California

The shooting of 15-year-old Ryan Gainer raises questions about police response to mental health crises.

A 15-year-old boy with autism, Ryan Gainer, was fatally shot by a San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy in Apple Valley, California.
The incident occurred after a family member called 911 reporting Ryan was assaulting family members and damaging property.
Body camera footage released by the sheriff's department shows Ryan charging at a deputy with a garden tool before being shot.
The shooting has raised concerns about law enforcement's response to individuals with mental health issues and the need for alternative crisis intervention methods.
Family and civil rights attorneys question the adequacy of law enforcement training and the decision to use lethal force in this situation.